As you undoubtedly know, America is in crisis: all around us ICE is sowing chaos and provoking violence. In Chicago, ICE invaded — and that is the right word for it — an apartment building in the middle of the night, terrorizing those who lived there, including many children. In Oregon, a federal judge prevented Trump from nationalizing the National Guard there. So trying to circumvent the judge's ruling, Trump and his minions ordered troops from California and Texas into Portland. Judge Immergut in Oregon — a Trump appointee, no less — quashed his order in no uncertain terms: she "concluded that Trump’s assessment [that the military was needed to combat daily violence] was 'untethered to facts' and failed to satisfy the legal basis" to deploy troops to Oregon (Politico, October 5, 2025). Meanwhile, US district judge April Perry in Illinois did not immediately issue a Temporary Restraining Order to prevent National Guard troops from deploying in and around Chicago, but will hold a hearing on the issue on Thursday.
With the pace of events so rapid, NOW IS THE TIME to make our opposition loud and clear: before we get to the main event on October 18, here are two more protests you should try to attend.
To protest the arrival of the National Guard in Chicago, an emergency protest is happening in Milwaukee TODAY at 5:30pm, in Cathedral Square. If you can make it, please show up!
To protest cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, The Fight for our Lives is sponsoring Protect Our Healthcare Rally on Saturday, October 11, at 10:30am at 310 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee.
The biggest mobilization will take place on October 18 — No Kings Rallies and Marches — with people standing in solidarity and in opposition to the Trump regime's authoritarianism. Wisconsin is hosting dozens of rallies and marches. In the Events listing, you will find all of the ones in and near Milwaukee. To find protests in other areas, visit No Kings. To make it really simple for you to find the one closest to you, here's a quick list:
- Cathedral Square, 520 E Wells St, Milwaukee, 11:00am - 2:00pm
- Cedarburg, W63N641 Washington Avenue, 10:00am - 11:00am
- Greenfield, South 76th Street & West Layton Avenue, 10:00 - 11:30am
- Brookfield, Address upon RSVP, 11:00am - 12:30pm
- Waukesha, 321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, 1:00 - 2:30pm
- West Bend, Washington County Government Center, 432 E Washington St, 1:00 - 2:30pm
- Shorewood, North Wilson Drive & Capitol Drive, 2:00 - 3:30pm
The largest of these rallies and marches will be in Cathedral Square Park. If you can manage it, you should head there. Beginning at 11:00am, many of the organizations collaborating in the event will staff tables with information about the organization and its activities. The rally will begin at noon. And the march will start at 1:00.
To make the event a success, Grassroots North Shore, acting as the fiscal agent, is raising funds so that we can rent a robust sound system, have LiveStream capabilities, and provide PortaPotties. Please be generous and donate. All the funds raised will go to support No Kings. We want to thank Kirk Bankstad (of the Minocqua Brewing Company) for his generous sponsorship and for the No Kings merch you can order:
In addition to showing up, as important as that is, and in addition to donating to the effort, as important as that is, you should consider volunteering to take a role in a short satiric skit to be performed at the Cathedral Square rally on October 18. Here's what's needed:
Casting Notice No Kings 2.0 Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Coalition is looking for volunteers to help present a a short satirical skit/sketch during The No Kings 2.0 Milwaukee event at Cathedral Square Park on October 18th, 2025.
- Characters
- The Professor - The intellectual, here to teach non-cooperation to help us save our democracy and inspire chanting.
- The King - The bombastic blubberying bully lacking wisdom and empathy with exaggerated Trumpian mannerisms.
- The Singer - Think Aging Opera Diva (Preferably Drag Queen who is comfortable singing Mockingly)
- Chorus of 5 - A hodge podge of people representing us. Parts may be voiced or unvoiced based on the comfort of the volunteer.
- MC
- Stage Manager - to help coordinate sound queues and performers.
Key Dates and Time: The event is on Saturday October 18th and performers will need to be available 9:00 am -1:00 pm for a rehearsal on the stage the morning of the event.
Rehearsal: Sunday 10/12 anticipating 2-3 hours. We may look to schedule follow up runs during the weeknights between 10/13-10/17 if needed for comfort.
Please submit a brief description of availability, please list any prior performance experience, with contact information to [email protected] & [email protected].
Of course, there's a lot more to cover but not much room in this newsletter to discuss all the noteworthy news. But some things are just really important. So there is a new move afoot to require people to show a passport or other proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The US Election Assistance Commission is currently considering adopting some such requirement. In her Substack Civil Discourse, Joyce Vance explains what this requirement will mean: "This show-your-papers policy could block millions of American citizens from voting. Speaking out against it is an easy and important step we can take right now. When you’re ready, go to the EAC website:
- Go to the petition and click “comment”.
- Share why you oppose this proof of citizenship requirement.
- Choose whether to share your name and information or submit your comment anonymously."
Vance's article provides plenty of information about why this proposed requirement will disenfranchise millions of voters. You really should read the whole thing.
TAKE ACTION
On Monday, October 13, join Worth Fighting for Wisconsin and Grassroots North Shore in a webinar called The ICE Man Cometh (not Eugene O’Neill’s Iceman, it’s the one wearing a mask and maybe driving around somewhere near you…). The program will focus on ICE’s current activities in Wisconsin, and what WE can (and must) do about them (that part’s really important). We'll discuss
- the effort to prevent the village of Palmyra (population 1,719) and its three police officers from becoming Wisconsin's first ICE bounty hunters using the 287(g) program to partner with ICE;
- mass ICE grabs in Wisconsin's dairyland, with no warning, putting the community in turmoil;
- ICE arrests in Madison;
- and the ICE proposal to rent 18,500 feet of furnished and move-in ready office space in downtown Milwaukee!
The ICE Man Cometh will begin at 7:30pm CT. Plan to attend!
Also on Monday, October 13, from 5:30 - 7:30pm, in the Wauwatosa Library Firefly Room: Make signs for the No Kings Demo. Bring your creativity and anger to build signs that will make people think. We will have some poster board and art supplies at the library but please bring yours to share. We will have wood sticks to attach to signs or rope to make sandwich boards. For more info, contact [email protected]. If you choose to go to the Worth Fighting for Wisconsin webinar instead, here are some No Kings sign ideas you can make at home.
And here's something you can do a bit farther afield. Make calls into California ahead of the November election. 2025 is an important election year in communities across the country, but arguably no election will have a greater national impact than California’s Proposition 50. If it passes, Democrats will likely pick up five U.S. House seats – a vital response to MAGA-controlled states like Texas as they redraw their Congressional lines at Donald Trump’s bidding. Unlike Texas, California’s Prop 50 empowers voters to make the final call, and that’s why we’re calling voters every Tuesday.
Interested in phone banking with us? Sign up HERE.
Activate America’s phone banks are structured a little differently than other Yes on Prop 50 phone banks. The universe of voters we are reaching are Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents who often miss special elections. Many don’t even know there’s an election this year.
EVENTS
Wednesday, October 8
Government Shutdown: What’s at Stake for Workers and Us All, 5:00 - 6:00pm CDT
Virtual
Hosted by For Our Future: With a government shutdown in progress, millions of people will feel the impact — from missed paychecks and disrupted services to uncertainty for families and communities. Join For our Future Wisconsin for a discussion on what’s at risk, how it affects workers and everyday citizens, and what we can do together to push for accountability and solutions. Register.
Lakefront Dems Social 6:00 - 8:00pm CDT
750 N Lincoln Memorial Drive
Join the Lakefront Dems at the War Memorial Beer Garden! Whether you've canvassed before or are just interested getting involved, bring a friend (or two!) to hear about the great work we've done in past cycles and where we're going. RSVP.
What is in the Big Bill and how could it affect you? 7:00 - 8:00pm CDT
Democratic Party of Ozaukee County (Suite 103), 1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Grafton
We are sponsoring a community presentation, "What is in the Big Bill and how could it affect you?," presented by attorney Nick Korger with special guests Deb Andraca and Jodi Habush Sinykin. The event will be held in the Oz Dems office in Grafton. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Thursday, October 9
Indivisible: Weekly coming together in community 2:00 - 3:00pm CDT
Online
The onslaught of news, the chaos coming out of the White House – it’s all meant to overwhelm us. It’s a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote: Coming together in community to process what’s happening, to sift through what’s important and what’s just noise, and coalesce around strategies for fighting back. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week, as we carve out an hour to discuss what’s happening and – more importantly – what’s the plan. REGISTER HERE
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee, 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold up the letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
How Attacks on Public Education Harm Students of Color, 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Attacks on public education are escalating but the impacts are not being felt equally by all students. Cuts to funding and restrictive new policies are falling hardest on Black and brown students, deepening long-standing inequities in our schools. Join us to learn about these disparities from the educational experts at EdTrust as we explore how current education policies and funding cuts disproportionately harm students of color. We’ll explore the root causes of chronic absenteeism, the bigger picture of inequities in education, and what we can do to push back and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. See you there! Sign up.
Saturday, October 11
Speak Up Saturdays, 10:00 - 11:30am
76th and Layton, Greenfield
Join us for Show Up, Speak Up Saturdays! Last week we tallied the honks for affordable health care and delivered the chart to Rep Steil's office! Freedom of Speech was on everyone's mind. Will we be able to continue to express our disagreement with this authoritarian regime? And safely? Every Saturday. 76th and Layton in Greenfield. 10 - 11:30 am. Sign up here.
Raise Our Voices, 10:30 - 11:30am
310 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Join the League of Progressive Seniors and Souls to the Polls on October 11th, to raise our voices against the cuts to Medicare and Medicaid!
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North.
Sunday, October 12
SE Wisconsin Indivisible, 3:00 - 4:00pm
1501 Miller Park Way, West Milwaukee
We the people stand for democracy and freedom for all. Rise up and join the resistance. Sign up.
Monday, October 13
7:00 - 8:30pm CDT
Virtual
Join Grassroots North Shore and Worth Fighting For Wisconsin as we bust open the myths surrounding American immigration policy, highlight efforts to protect our immigrant friends and neighbors, hear from the immigrant community, and learn what WE can do to make things better. Featuring Emilio de Torres, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Turners, and Iuscely Flores (Comite Sin Fronteras). REGISTER NOW.
Learn more about the Milwaukee Turners and about the Comité Sin Fronteras.
Tuesday, October 14
6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Looking to cut through the chaos and actually make a difference this year? Want to connect with other badass women who are ready to take action? Join Red Wine & Blue to learn why stopping extremism starts in our own backyards and why local elections are where we have the power. Friend to friend organizing is one of our most powerful tools and we will share how you can use it to win important races in your community. We’ll give you the training and resources you need to make a huge impact in your local races while building power for the future. This is how we fight back! See you there! Sign up.
Wednesday, October 15
Emergency Gun Violence Summit: Souls to the Polls, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Emergency Gun Violence Summit: Souls to the Polls. Register.
Germantown Community Coalition: Supporting our Veterans, 6:00 - 9:00pm
American Legion, N120W15932 Freistadt Rd, Germantown
Behind the Uniform: The Realities of Life After Service. This presentation offers a candid look at the lived experiences of veterans in our community. Together, we’ll explore what it’s really like to transition from military to civilian life, the unique challenges veterans face at higher rates, and the services available to support them. Most importantly, you’ll leave with practical ways to make a difference—whether that’s volunteering your time, supporting local veteran organizations, advocating for legislation, or even small everyday actions. Come ready to listen, learn, and walk away with clear steps you can take tomorrow to honor and support those who’ve served. Register Here.
October Banned Book Club: The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Virtual
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky tells the story of Rachel, a biracial girl who is the sole survivor of a family tragedy and then goes to live with her grandmother. Durrow’s book is a winner of the Bellwether Prize for best fiction manuscript addressing issues of racism and classism. Parent’s in a Utah school districts attempted to have Durrow’s book banned for including sexual content and sexual violence. Register Here.
Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Democratic Party of Ozaukee County, 1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Join us for our monthly meeting to get the latest updates on our fight to turn Ozaukee County blue and find out how you can help.
Thursday, October 16
Rally at the Capitol to End Gerrymandering, 12:00 PM 1:00 PM
Wisconsin State Capitol Building (State Street entrance), Madison
Join the Fair Maps Coalition for a rally at the Capitol to demand an end to gerrymandering! Register. While Wisconsin currently has fair maps, these are only in place until the 2030 Census. We need LEGISLATION to ensure FAIR VOTING MAPS for FUTURE GENERATIONS. Let's show our legislators that we're not waiting around – NOW is the time to act. Speakers to be announced soon! Sponsored by the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition – learn more about FMC.
Indivisible: Weekly coming together in community, 2:00 - 3:00pm CDT
Online
The onslaught of news, the chaos coming out of the White House – it’s all meant to overwhelm us. It’s a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote: Coming together in community to process what’s happening, to sift through what’s important and what’s just noise, and coalesce around strategies for fighting back. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week, as we carve out an hour to discuss what’s happening and – more importantly – what’s the plan. REGISTER HERE
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee, 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold upthe letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
Disinformation 101: How to Identify and Fight It 6:30 - 7:30pm CDT
Virtual
Distinguishing real news from fake can be challenging today with bots spreading disinfo far and wide, deep fakes on our feeds and the amplification of bad information by influencers . We all see the impact that disinformation has on politics in our country. Are you ready to take a stand and fight back against it? Join us to learn what exactly is disinformation, how to recognize it and what we can do to fight its spread. See you there! Sign up.
Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting 7:00 - 8:30pm CDT
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St., Waukesha
Join us for our October Monthly Meeting where we will be hearing from Gubinatorial Canddiate and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
Friday, October 17
DeGrowth Cafe at Kuumba Juice and Coffee, 9:00 - 10:30am
Kuumba Juice & Coffee (and via zoom), 274 E Keefe Ave, Milwaukee
This event is co-hosted with Dylan Carson, a 2024 engineering grad and a facilitator from the DeGrowth Institute in Chicago. Among other things, Dylan hosts a book club focused on climate solutions related to degrowth, meaning degrowing our economy and consumption patterns to stay within planetary thresholds through creative new solutions. Dylan is offering a "DeGrowth 101"-style presentation and discussion, and has shared a pdf scan of the history of degrowth and key texts, available here. Don't feel pressured to read though — show up ready for this summary of key points if you like. Registration form to receive email for zoom link for those who cannot attend in person. This is an opportunity to explore the entanglements between the relationship-focused ethics of bioregionalism, permaculture traditional Indigenous principles, and an engineer's view of designing degrowth-oriented on-the-ground solutions. Email [email protected] for more info. This event is part of the Regenerate Milwaukee Immersion events scheduled Oct 16-19.
Saturday, October 18
Can’t Afford to Wait: Weekend of Action Friendbank in Shorewood! 9:00 - 10:30am and 10:30am - 12:00pm
Oaks of Shorewood, 3900 Estabrook Pkwy, Shorewood
Join us for our Can’t Afford to Wait Weekend of Action! Prices continue to rise and Wisconsinites are struggling to pay their every day bills because of the GOP's Big Ugly Bill, their tariff tax, and their attacks on workers. We will be reaching out to hear about how these policies are hurting our neighbors and what they need from their representatives. We can't afford to wait - YOU can make a difference! RSVP HERE.
No Kings Rally, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Cathedral Square, 520 E Wells St, Milwaukee
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us. Sign up to attend.
Support the Milwaukee area coalition through our NO KINGS fund, facilitated through Grassroots North Shore. This fund is solely dedicated to putting on NO KINGS coalition events. Our intent is to organize the most impactful, accessible, and safe events feasible. This often requires necessary costs to procure event infrastructure like stages, sound systems, porta-potties, temporary barriers, safety and security equipment, promotion, and other services. Whatever your contribution, we are grateful for your solidarity. Donate.
We need reliable volunteers to help keep our events safe, non-violent, effective, and accessible. We are currently seeking volunteers for the NO KINGS Rally in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday October 18, 2025. Volunteers who join this list may be contacted about this event and future events. Volunteer.
Ozaukee: No Kings Rally, 10:00am - 11:00am
W63N641 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg
“NO KINGS!” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from our rural town squares to dense city blocks uniting people across our county, state and nation to fight the emerging dictatorship… together. Please park behind the gym/city hall. Sign up.
Greenfield: No Kings Rally, 10:00 - 11:30am
South 76th Street & West Layton Avenue, Greenfield
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS!” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from our rural town squares to dense city blocks uniting people across our county, state and nation to fight the emerging dictatorship… together. Please park behind the gym/city hall. Sign up.
Brookfield Resist: No Kings Rally, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Address upon RSVP
Had enough? Stand with us. Join us in this national day of action on Saturday, October 18th from 11:00am-12:30pm as we protest Trump & his administration. Complete event details will be made known after sign up. Sign up.
No Kings Waukesha, 1:00 - 2:30pm
321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha: Sidewalk in front of Cutler Park
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us. Sign up.
No Kings West Bend, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Washington County Government Center, 432 E Washington St, West Bend
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us. Sign up.
No Kings Shorewood, 2:00 - 3:30pm
North Wilson Drive & Capitol Drive, Shorewood
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us. Sign up.
Sunday, October 19
SE Wisconsin Indivisible, 3:00 - 4:00pm
1501 Miller Park Way, West Milwaukee
We the people stand for democracy and freedom for all. Rise up and join the resistance. Sign up.
Monday, October 20
Grassroots Glendale Volunteer Recruitment Phonebank, 5:30 - 7:30pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Sign up.
Wednesday, October 22
No Tricks, Just Treats: A Democratic Majority Awaits, 5:00 - 6:30pm CDT
Location in Shorewood shared with RSVP
A fundraiser to re-elect Deb Andraca. Please RSVP to [email protected] or (414) 485-5284. Even if you can't attend, you can always make a donation!
Save the Date
Thursday, October 23
Indivisible: Weekly coming together in community, 2:00 - 3:00pm CDT
Online
The onslaught of news, the chaos coming out of the White House – it’s all meant to overwhelm us. It’s a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote: Coming together in community to process what’s happening, to sift through what’s important and what’s just noise, and coalesce around strategies for fighting back. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week, as we carve out an hour to discuss what’s happening and – more importantly – what’s the plan. REGISTER HERE
Weekly Bridge Brigade in Milwaukee 4:00 - 5:30pm CDT
Lincoln Avenue I-43/94 Overpass
We have a new message every week and people are welcome to come and wave, help us hold upthe letter frames or bring their own signs for the Lincoln Avenue traffic. Join us on Facebook at Bridge Brigade MKE.
The People’s Review of Derrick Van Orden, 5:00 - 6:30pm CDT
Virtual
Some Representatives allow the public to share feedback through open Google reviews, but not Derrick. He doesn’t want constituents to have a platform to voice their opinions, so we’re creating one. Join Dan Machalik of For our Future Wisconsin to share your review of DVO’s job performance, and we’ll publish them on social media to show what the community really thinks. Register.
Lakefront Dems Social 6:00 - 8:00pm CDT
750 N Lincoln Memorial Drive
Join the Lakefront Dems at the War Memorial Beer Garden! Whether you've canvassed before or are just interested getting involved, bring a friend (or two!) to hear about the great work we've done in past cycles and where we're going. RSVP.
Saturday, October 25
Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am CDT
Democratic Party of Ozaukee County, 1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10 - 11am for this new event!
Q: What is it?
A: A fun and safe space where ideas will percolate and tea is spilt.
We provide refreshments. You bring yourself, and a friend. See you there!
Tosa Weekly Peaceful Protest, 12:00 - 2:00pm
Corners of 76th and Bluemound & 76th and North.
East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
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